This is a new segment we will be doing here at Armchair Builder…featuring low cost design items that have a big impact. The idea is to increase what builders call perceived value without adding a ton of cost. Can anyone tell me what this picture is showing? Anyone? Anyone? Yes. This is the framing for […]
Best Practices: Foundation
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
The foundation for your new home or addition is a huge component of your new owner-built project. If you get it right, the rest of the project will go so much more smoothly. Here we will describe best practices as it relates to poured concrete foundation walls (basement condition). Proper Cure: Three words. Don’t rush […]
Home Plans: Your Options as an Owner-Builder
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
I’m always amazed at how many people don’t think home plans are a big deal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the local building department and someone comes in with a piece of paper with a sketch on it showing the details (or lack there of) for their project. Creating your […]
Home Plans: What You Need as an Owner-Builder
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
How often do you hear…It all starts with the foundation? Actually, it all really begins with the home plans. A good, complete set of home plans can save you a boat load of headaches on your project. As an owner-builder, you have many options when it comes to home plans. From predesigned stock plans […]
Annual Checklist: The Trouble Free Home
4 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Fix it!, Save Money
Americans have a love-hate relationship with their homes. We love our homes and property. We hate the maintenance and repairs. The best way to avoid problems with your home is to go through our annual checklist to make sure everything is working properly. Is it fun? No. Will it keep you from being surprised by […]
Floors Squeak and Pop?: Tips for Repairing/Preventing
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Fix it!, Quality Check
As you walk through your home, your floors squeak or pop. What is causing this and how do you go about eliminating them? Here we will describe some of the different types of floor noises you can have and discuss how a builder would go about removing them. Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors squeak and pop. […]
We received a question yesterday about the appropriate tile underlayment (material that goes between your subfloor and tile) to use. Using the appropriate material under your tile will help your new floor last longer while providing the necessary support to prevent movement. There are several different types of underlayment available so let’s go through each […]
How Much to Enclose My Living Room with French Doors?
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Cool Design, Great Products, Owner-Builder
Most people can count on one hand how many times a year they actually use their living room. Maybe it’s time to convert that space into something that can be used on a daily basis. By enclosing a living room with french doors you create an elegant space that can be used for many different […]
Build My New Home in 90 Days?
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
One of the most common questions I get as a builder is…when can I move in? Can you build my new home in 90 days? The truth is that it really depends on you and mother nature. I recently finished a 4500 square foot custom home in three months. Of course I stopped by the project […]
Add Living Space to Your Home: Converting Two Story Rooms
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Home Addition, Owner-Builder
The new homes built in the 90’s brought us two story rooms that created a dramatic, grand feel. These two story rooms are still built today because they give the feeling of openness while making spaces feel bigger. Although interesting architecturally, these rooms can be difficult to heat and waste space that could otherwise provide […]
